Autism

Autism is a lifelong condition affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK. It impacts on the way a person communicates and how they experience the world around them.

Autism is described as a spectrum condition. This means that while people with autism share certain characteristics, everyone will have different needs and preferences.

Autistic Spectrum Diagnosis by the NHS

Birmingham and Solihull ICS is responsible for funding and commissioning the diagnosis of autism. Solihull has two diagnosis pathways, one for children and young people and one for adults.

GPs are responsible for referring adults for an autism assessment to determine a diagnosis. There are two levels of assessment, standard and complex, your GP will select the level required based on the impact autism is having on your life.

After referral from your GP, an assessment will be arranged with a qualified health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. 

The NHS website has information on diagnosing autism spectrum disorder and what happens next.

Birmingham and Solihull All Age Autism Support Services

The aim of this service is to provide a reliable and accessible point of contact for autistic people, their parents, families and unpaid carers.

Visit the All Age Autism Support Services website to use the service directory which connects with local statutory, third sector, private/independent organisations that support autistic people/persons.

You can also find out about grants to bring new autistic support services onto the market to enhance support and encourage innovation and creativity and to reflect local issues and need.

Community Advice Hubs

Visiting your local Community Advice Hub could put you in contact with the best support and activities to help you live better with autism. The hubs also offer support if you are a carer.

You can visit the hubs from 10.00am to 2.00pm in:

You can contact the hubs by:

If you need additional support

Solihull Council may assess someone diagnosed with autism where they appear to have care and support needs. Help may be available for you and your carer to enable you to continue living in the community.

If you are finding it very difficult to live safely at home and are concerned, you can contact the Solihull adult social care team to request an assessment.

A qualified worker will work with you, and your carer or representative if you would like, to discuss your needs and identify how to help.

The assessment will take place in your own home or wherever is most convenient for you. You can also complete an online assessment or visit your local information and advice hub for support to complete your assessment.

The assessment process will look at what support you need to let you live your life in the best way possible. It will also discuss your care and support needs and understand how you can maintain and improve your personal wellbeing.

Autism West Midlands

Autism West Midlands are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people with autism.  With over 60,000 people in our local region living with an autism spectrum disorder, Autism West Midlands hopes to enable everyone affected to live their life in the best way possible for them.

It has expert staff and volunteers working to help everyone, of any age and all personal ability levels, with help and advice about autism including:

  • Supporting people with autism to live as independently as possible, in their own or the family home
  • Providing activities and events and support for families, and an information helpline
  • Helping people with autism to find and keep a job
  • Offering training for parents of children with autism, and the professionals who help them

Autism West Midlands also offers training for businesses and organisations which can be provided in the workplace or any other venue. It also runs seminars and workshops for people with autism, their parents and carers, and autism professionals.

Solihull Community Hub

Autism West Midlands runs the Solihull Community Hub which offers programmes, workshops and groups including Autism Confident programmes for adults and teenagers, training workshops for parents/carers and support groups.  The Autism West Midlands website has details about all the support available in Solihull.

Solihull Parent Carer Voice

Solihull Parent Carer Voice are independent parent carers working together to raise awareness and improve outcomes for all children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND 0-25). They work with organisations that provide services for families. They are completely independent of local council and health services which lets them share the experiences and ideas of parent carers, giving them a voice and effect positive change.

Solihull Specialist Inclusion Support Service – Autism Team

The Autism Team are part of the Specialist Inclusion Support Service (SISS). They are all experienced practitioners, with a specialism in autism and experience of working with children of all ages in both mainstream and specialist settings. The team comprises of a team co-ordinator, a lead professional, two full time specialist teachers and 2 part time specialist teachers. The team also has the support of five inclusion support practitioners.

National help for people with autism

There are a number of national organisations which supply essential help and advice for those with disorders on the autistic spectrum, their carers and parents:

Birmingham and Solihull Youth Promise Plus - Youth Employment Initiative

The Birmingham and Solihull Youth Promise Plus project aims to support 16,610 Birmingham & Solihull young people (15-29 years) who are NEET (Not engaged in Employment, Education or Training including unemployed and economically inactive). The project will support participants, where appropriate, with pathways to sustainable employment, education and training outcomes.

The project will support young people to secure jobs in local businesses and key sectors by:

  • Integration of service provision across providers
  • Personal holistic support driven by a relationship of trust between beneficiaries and lead professionals
  • A “Work First” approach involving the introduction of young people into some form of supported work environment (or work -facing education or training environment) within 6 weeks of their entry to the project. This project seeks to bring opportunity for employment experience much earlier on to aid participant confidence and experience
  • Dedicated support to employers to ensure the creation of work environments that are conducive and responsive to beneficiaries support needs but also remain positive for the businesses themselves

Disabled Facilities Grant

If you need home adaptations to live with autism, or care for someone who is autistic, a Disabled Facilities Grant may be available. You may get a grant if your home needs adaptations such as:

  • door widening
  • ramp installation
  • installing a stair lift
  • adapting heating or lighting systems

There will be an occupational therapy assessment and a financial assessment to see what work is needed and how it should be paid for.

To arrange for an assessment contact Solihull Connect by:

  • telephone 0121 704 8007

Advocacy

Solihull Action through Advocacy provides independent advocacy for people with learning disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, who are facing critical decisions about their lives.

You can contact Solihull Action through Advocacy by:

Advocacy Matters is a Birmingham based charity that began in 2002. They aim to provide vulnerable people with an independent advocate to ensure individuals are heard and that their rights, concerns and needs are acted upon.

You can contact Advocacy Matters by:

  • telephone 0121 321 2377